Since 1998, RNAO has been honouring journalistic excellence that educates and inspires on issues important to the health of Ontarians. Past Media Awards winners include journalists from CTV News, the Globe and Mail, Maclean's, and CBC Radio covering stories about diverse issues, including poverty among Canadian seniors, increasing numbers of youth suicides, and nursing shortages in the north of the country.

This year, some of the biggest health-care headlines include the Supreme Court of Canada overturning the country's ban on assisted death, the need to reform Ontario's fledgling home care system, and the legal battle over health coverage for refugee claimants – just to name a few.

The association is encouraging reporters, editors, and producers from across Ontario to submit their work via the online submission formno later than Friday, Jan. 29, 2016.

Entries must have been published or broadcast in Ontario during the 2015 calendar year. Stories are judged on content, writing, creativity and their impact on communities. This year's categories are:

Daily newspaper

Best news story

Best in-depth feature

Best series

Community newspaper

Best news story

Best in-depth feature

Magazine

Best story

Radio

Best news story

Best in-depth feature

Television

Best news story

Best in-depth feature

Online

Best story

Exceptional reporting on an RN/nursing issue

Best story

Winners will be announced in the spring, and awards will be handed out at the President's Banquet of RNAO's annual general meeting in May 2016.

The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nursing students in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve. For more information about RNAO, visit our website at RNAO.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.